Leveling Up Together: Madison’s esports team builds more than skills

Through their passions on and off the screen, students at James Madison High School are building a community around esports.   

Entering the 2025-26 school year, Madison launched an esports team to compete in Milwaukee Recreation’s high school league. Milwaukee Recreation now operates esports labs in 18 MPS schools, with many of the schools participating after school in the Rocket League competition each season.

For the Madison esports team, the after-school sessions are about more than just winning matches. What started as a way to spend time with friends has become something closer to family.

“Having this after-school activity and being able to play with my teammates and build a bond definitely helps out a lot,” rising senior Qualay Howard said.

That sense of team goes beyond the game, says rising sophomore Jyri Lanier Thomas. “Just [allowing] people to get to know each other, [getting] to know many people [last] year. So, it just felt really good to meet more people. Getting to play with people who play the same game as me and actually understand it. It made us feel like we’re not alone.”

Lanier Thomas has felt that same shift since he joined the esports family; it finally meant connecting with classmates who shared his interest. 

That sense of belonging is only part of the picture. In its first year in competition, Madison proved just how far that bond can take them, winning the Esports City Championship Tournament in Rocket League to cap the fall 2025 season. And with the 2026-27 season coming up, students across Milwaukee Public Schools will have another shot to build something similar.

For Madison coach Justin McMurtry, the goal is much bigger than trophies. He sees esports as a space where students can build confidence in themselves on their own terms in a safe environment.

“Giving them another avenue for people to hold themselves accountable, another avenue for our students to show how dope and talented they are,” McMurtry said. “Bring them all together and develop these social skills so you can be able to communicate and communicate effectively and find your voice,” McMurtry said.

For many student-athletes, esports is becoming more than just a game; it is becoming a new opportunity for students to build friendships, confidence, and leadership skills. 

“Students develop much more than gaming skills. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and accountability. Skills that translate to the classroom, future careers, and everyday life. Coaches have also seen students build confidence, form friendships, and become more connected to their school communities. For many participants, esports is their first extracurricular activity, giving them a place to belong and an opportunity to represent their school,” said Rob Perry, Milwaukee Recreation’s program manager for recreational club sports.

Milwaukee Public Schools offers after-school programs through Milwaukee Recreation that are open to all students, no matter their skill level. If your school doesn't offer an esports team, students are encouraged to talk to faculty members about starting a team. 

“One of the program's hallmarks is that it is a no-cut activity, making it accessible to students of all experience levels who are interested in competitive gaming and being part of a team,” Perry said.

While the opportunities in esports continue to grow, from scholarships to career paths, the real draw for most students is simpler. For Howard and Lanier Thomas, the advice for anyone hesitating is clear.

“I think you should join the team; even if you don’t win, it is a fun experience because it’s not always about being competitive; it's about always having fun too,” Howard said.

Lanier Thomas agrees. “The only way to know if it’s for you is to show up. Try something new; you never know what you like until you try it.”

Looking to get involved with esports at your school this spring? Learn more here or contact your school leader to get involved.